Motivation key to weight and health

MOST people who struggle with their weight will say that lack of motivation and commitment causes them to fail on any diet or health program long term.

If you can relate to yo-yo dieting, binge eating and never reaching your goals, then I want to share with you how to get and keep motivated to lose weight and be healthy.

I succeeded in shedding my 35 unwanted kilos and believe me if I can do it then so can you!

I know from my own personal experience how challenging losing weight can be, but I also know the rewards that await you when you succeed.

I have been at my goal weight range now for over 19 years but I still remember how it feels to battle with your weight and struggle to stay on a healthy eating plan.

Here are some tips to being motivated:

1. You must change the habits that caused you to be overweight in the first place. Look for healthy alternatives such as going from full cream milk to skim milk or use cooking spray instead of frying your food.

2. Take responsibility for yourself and your actions. Make sure you have food in the house that you can eat that won't cause you problems. For example, if you're not in control of chocolate then don't have any in your house, car or workplace.

3. Cook low fat healthy meals that will appeal to you and your family. Don't be boring with your food, as this will weaken your motivation and commitment. The options are unlimited, so why not vary your family meals with recipes such as Mexican Meat Balls, Spicy Plum Chicken Kebabs, Fish with Mango Salsa, Thai Chicken Stir-Fry, and Sweet Teriyaki Beef just to name a few.

4. Focus on what you want to achieve, not what you are missing out on. For example, think about how fabulous you will look in those size 12 jeans or how good it will feel to be able to wear a belt or how much energy you will have once you lose those few kilos. Forget about feeling sorry for yourself and only allow positive thoughts to own you. Keep photos or pictures of healthy people in your ideal weight range in a journal, on your fridge or in your bedroom for daily inspiration.

5. Take each day as it comes and make today the best it can be. Get excited, the new slim you will be here soon, all you have to do is keep motivated and committed to the job at hand. Make this your time to shine.

Annette's cookbooks SYMPLY TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE 1-6 are sold in all good newsagencies.

MEXICAN MEAT BALLS, RECIPE FROM SYMPLY TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE BOOK 1 - SERVES 6

½ cup dried breadcrumbs

½ cup skim milk

500g very lean beef mince

1 packet (35g) salt-reduced taco seasoning mix (Old El Paso®)

1 small onion finely diced

¼ cup tomato sauce

½ cup fresh chopped parsley

1 egg white

pepper to taste

cooking spray

Preheat oven 190°C fan forced.

Mix breadcrumbs and milk in a small bowl, leave for 2 minutes.

In a large bowl combine all ingredients, mix well. Roll into 18 small balls. Place meatballs on a baking tray that has been coated with cooking spray. Bake 30-40 minutes or until cooked, turning once. Serve hot or cold.